A TOUCH OF MALARIA
Italian: Mal (Bad) + Aria (Air)
Introduction and History
The Italians and folks on Roman holiday once thought malaria was caused by breathing bad air. In 1880, the French scientist Charles Laveran discovered the minute parasites in red blood cells. Malaria is caused by protozoa (single-celled animals) belonging to the genus Plasmodium. These parasites live in the red blood cells, burst the cells as they grow and invade other cells. Then Sir Ronald Ross, an English scientist, proved that mosquitoes are carriers in spreading the disease.
Malaria used to be common in the marshy areas around Rome and it was also known as Roman Fever. It is found in hot regions of the world like Africa, India, South East Asia (SEA), Mexico, South America and other third world countries. It also occurs during the summer months in temperate zones. Malaria was eradicated in the US in the 1950's. Currently, half a billion worldwide suffer from the disease - it's number 3 in Top 10 Global Diseases - Lower Respiratory Infection (1) and HIV/AIDS (2). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 3,000 children are killed every day in sub-Saharan Africa (1 die every 30 seconds). UN economists have identified malaria as one of the four causes of poverty with many African governments since 40 percent goes to medicine and health services.
It is a severe malarious disease spread only by female mosquitoes of genus Anopheles. The female mosquito cannot produce eggs unless it sucks blood from humans or animals. It could be mild, fast and fatal. On June 3, 2005, it was reported in the Philippine news channel that the favorite Filipino broadcaster Reyster Langit passed away at St. Vincent Hospital in Los Angeles, Caliifornia. He suddenly felt ill while vacationing and visiting relatives with his family. The doctors at the hospital made a diagnosis of malaria of the Plasmodium falciparum kind. It's the most dangerous and fatal. He was given blood transfusion for more than 80 percent of his blood was infected. He did not survive. The attacks were so severe the blood vessels of important organs became clogged causing death. Two weeks before in the Philippines, he went to the province of Palawan for a news assignment and to distribute much needed medicines for the poor. Little did he know that he was attacked and infected at the time. The cameraman who accompanied him also died at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila. [Personal comment: Filipino mosquitoes love to bite. I had bites all over my chubby body while visiting. Dirty blood suckers!!! Once bitten, twice shy. I've never been back].
When an Anopheles mosquito bites an infected person, the blood cells containing the organisms are sucked up into the stomach of the mosquito where they grow and multiply. It carries the parasites in the salivary glands or mouth parts and with its long proboscis pierces the skin injecting the next unknowing victim with parasites (sporozoites). The parasites undergo schizogony in the human liver cells. The cycle continues for various periods of time, depending on the species and strain. Italian scientist Giovanni Grassi described the complex life cycle of the malaria parasite. Malaria parasites are also found in birds, lizards and monkeys. They do not infect man and are not carried by Anopheles mosquito.
Symptoms
1. Sudden chills
2. Fever
3. Sweats
4. Great weakness
Four Species of Plasmodium
1. Plasmodium falciparum - Fever and chills occur at irregular intervals
2. Plasmodium vivax - Fever and chills occur every other day
3. Plasmodium malariae - Fever and chills occur every 72 hrs.
4. Plasmodium ovale - Relatively uncommon and no detailed text discussion
Laboratory Procedure
The definitive diagnosis is based on finding and identifying the erythrocytic stage. Thick and thin blood films are taken from the patient and studied. The parasites are easily found and identified in thick blood films. The thin blood films are useful for detailed study of malarial parasites.
Control and Prevention
1. Screens, mosquito nets and insect repellents.
2. DDT and chemical sprays
3. Elimination of mosquito coast breeding area by drainage
4. Availability of drugs to malarious areas
5. Treatment of persons and prophylaxis sick with malaria
Published 6/6/2006 ALT MSN Groups
Web Page: Culture Club Topic
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Published 7/28/10 ALT Group Multiply
Web Page: Malaria
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I must say Pres. George W. Bush is the best dancer of all the American Presidents. His great dance moves easy to imitate. He's seen in this BBC World video from my old file talking about malaria in Africa.
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